I think everyone is ready for some in-person races to run in 2021 (where safe), and I’ve felt comfortable compiling the start of a calendar again.
In the past, my goal was an average of one race per month, and I am hopeful to resume that. January is already checked off, after our fabulous turn at the New Year’s Rockin’ 5K, and I am ready to look to the future.
5K/8K Superhero Run – February 13
This local (Jacksonville) race changed names, and now comes with a very special Superhero theme. I am excited about the 8K distance to my Races To Run list, because who doesn’t love something new? The course will go along the St. Johns River, meaning pretty scenery, and there will be wave starts to accommodate social distancing. In the event we get cold feet or feel unsafe with the precautions in place, there is a virtual option. Plus, I’m thrilled for a Valentine’s weekend event. The question is, should I dress up according to the superhero theme or no?
Moo-ve It 5K – March 6
Once again, I am looking at races to run that might be smaller and less popular, which is how I found the Moo-ve It 5K. Located in downtown Jacksonville, the course is urban with a river view, and would be a nice change of pace. So far, COVID-19 protocols have not been outlined, but I expect to see an update soon.
Race to the Taste 5K – April 25
Race calendars are not looking much further than March right now, so maybe the Race to the Taste 5K would be a good April option. It’s near Anastasia State Park and after the race, participants can enjoy the farmer’s market at The Amp. It’s a wide-open venue, and never too crowded, but worth keeping an eye on.
Best Damn Race Orlando – September 25
Originally slated for March, BDR Orlando moved to my races to run when it switched to September. With everything going on, fall seems like a much more doable time for larger events and travel. Of course, nothing is written in stone, but it’s nice to hope. I love BDR Orlando, because it’s always a fun weekend, with one of my favorite people, Meghan, and because the race always provides such a great experience. Great medals, awesome course, and the best post-party around. Plus, there are three distances (a 5K, 10K and half marathon) plus a 5K + 10K Challenge to mix things up.
If you want to give it a try, use code RUNSWITHPUGS to save 10% on any of the distances there (or any other BDR city).
Best Damn Race Safety Harbor Weekend – October 16 + 17
I was supposed to run Safety Harbor for the first time in 2020. But then, I broke my leg and it was a complete and total no-go. Sure, it was disappointing, but so be it. Safety Harbor is the origin city of Best Damn Race, and it’s one place I have never visited. It would be so nice to take on a 5K + 10K Challenge or Half Marathon here.
Code RUNSWITHPUGS will save you 10% at this event, too!
Any races, real or virtual, you hope to run in 2021? Any races you plan to avoid?
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I haven’t seen any lives races planned near here yet for this year but we don’t have too many in the winter anyway. I signed up for a 5k that I can run at the end of February and that’s all so far. I’m hoping we will start to see some live races this spring!
This is our busy racing season, so things are coming back little by little. The big breast cancer marathon/half/10K/5K in February has gone virtual, which makes sense because it’s an international race and a lot of survivors and vulnerable people register, but the smaller 5Ks are a thing.
It’s nice to have some live races to look forward to! The hubs and I are attempting to re-do our 2020 spring break this year, and are (tentatively) headed to Tampa in March. I haven’t looked to see if there are any races happening yet….
It really is.
I imagine you will find some events in Tampa at that time. They are hit a little harder than we are right now, but I think there should still be some return to in-person races.
Looks like you’ve got some fun races lined up! I haven’t got any planned right now (except for that rescheduled IAT race) because our restrictions are still really strict. Fingers crossed for live races to return everywhere sooner rather than later.
A lot of the races are starting out in-person and then going to virtual. I am sticking with teensy tiny events, in out-of-the-way venues where permitting isn’t an issue. I’m also allowing myself the grace to switch to virtual if I feel uncomfortable with protocols.
I think it’s great that you have some fun races already mapped out for the year. I am a little hesitant to sign up for anything bc I don’t think any will actually happen here until the fall. I have a Sept, Oct and Nov on my calendar but have not signed up yet. Fingers crossed for all of us!
I’m definitely not signing up for things more than a few weeks out at this point. And I’m doing it with the understanding that things can change. My fingers have been crossed for months.
Lucky you. There are not many real races in other states.
I may come to Ft Lauderdale in Feb – still not sure I want to risk it.
Definitely I have one local half in April th =at I will do and = a 5k in June and then another half on the same course in Nov.
Hopefully a fun race-cation with friends in the fall.
I know. I am so grateful that we have the chance, but I am still being cautious. There are some big races (8000 people, and that is the reduced capacity number) that I am staying away from.
I miss race-cations. So much.
YES! BDR Orlando AND Safety Harbor! Bring of Fall 2021 🙂
I’m ready!
I am not currently registered for any races but I did sign up for the Run Life Challenge. It’s a challenge to run 2021 miles in 2021.
I will be looking for races to help get to that mileage goal.
Oh, that’s a great challenge!
I hope you find some awesome events to help you in your journey!
I’m excited for races to come back! Hopefully I can run something in the second half of the year. There are some races in my area now with Covid-19 protocols, but I’m honestly not ready to race yet.
At this point, I have no idea if I will have a race to run this year. I’m doing a virtual Half Marathon Challenge in April (the half on Saturday, followed by a 5k and 10 on Sunday) and hopefully, my 40th marathon in June.
That BDR in September in Orlando looks like so much fun and it has a real chance of happening!
And running with a best friend like Meghan must be something nice to look forward to!
btw, Jenn, maybe it’s just me, but I can’t see the comments anymore on your blog. Maybe it’s just a glitch on my side.
Catrina recently posted…My Running Goals for 2021
There just aren’t a lot of races up here in winter (although there are a few).
I’m ok with waiting to race when things are more normal. I realize that could be a long time, but I’ll still be moving one way or another.
That’s great that you have some in-person races in your area. I’m holding out hope for one of my favorite local races to take place in July. I don’t think spring racing will happen here.
So glad you’ve got a tentative race schedule in place! And yes please go ahead and dress up as a Superhero! We’re still waiting for in-person races here – there’ve been some walking events announced but no races yet. Let’s wait and see.